6 Winter Fruits to Stock Up On

Just because winter is the season of comfort food (hello, creamy casseroles, pie, soups, and stews!) it doesn’t mean your health has to take a backseat. Definitely don’t skip the produce section: Many fruits peak during the winter months, so grocery stores will be offering unique seasonal gems like persimmons and pomegranates.

How to select:Choose grapefruits that are heavy with firm, smooth skins. A ripe grapefruit should give slightly to pressure (make sure there are no soft spots). Avoid fruit that feels hard or has visible mold or blemishes.

2. Kumquats

How to select:If kumquats are harvested too soon, they may be fairly tart since citrus fruits don’t ripen as well once they’re picked, compared to some other fruits. Ripe kumquats have have a darker orange skin and slightly sweeter flesh than unripe ones. Look for fruit that’s firm, not soft.

How to store:Kumquats have a long shelf life and can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for two weeks.

3. Oranges

Oranges are known for their high levels of vitamin C. While orange juice provides plenty of immune-boosting vitamin, go for the whole fruit for added fiber to keep you fuller, longer. Oranges also have high levels of flavonoids, plant compounds that may help you maintain good health as you get older.

How to select:Choose oranges that are heavy with firm, smooth skins. Ripe oranges should give slightly to pressure (just make sure there are no soft spots). Avoid ones that feel dry and hard, or has visible mold or blemishes.

4. Pears

With six grams of fiber per fruit, a medium pear provides about one quarter of our daily dietary fiber needs. Pears are also a great source of potassium and vitamin C.

How to select:Because pears are one of the few fruits that don’t ripen on the tree, it’s okay to buy them when they aren’t ripe. To test for ripeness, apply gentle pressure to the neck of the pear (the top part right below the stem). If it yields to the pressure, it’s ready to eat. While most pears hardly change color as they ripen, the skin on Bartlett pears will become brighter.

How to store:To allow unripe pears to ripen, leave them at room temperature. Refrigerate ripe pears for up to five days.

5. Persimmons

How to select:Keep an eye out for persimmons that have glossy, bright, smooth skin and still have their leaf attached. They should be well-rounded and plump without cracks, bruises, or soft spots.

How to store:Keep persimmons at room temperature until they soften and ripen. If there are any yellow patches on the fruit, it’s not ripe yet. Once they’re ripe, store persimmons in the refrigerator for up to three days.

How to use:Eat raw persimmons by scooping out the insides with a spoon or eat slices with the skin still intact. Add them to salads, smoothies, or homemade dressings.

6. Pomegranates

This gorgeous red fruit contains potassium, vitamins C and K, and folate and is incredibly versatile: You can snack on the fresh arils (the small red seed pods inside that are filled with juice), add them to salads, toss them in smoothies, or cook them in savory meals like this roast chicken with pomegranate. (Skip the white pith around the arils; it’s bitter and not nearly as tasty.)

How to select:A healthy, ripe pomegranate should feel heavy since it’s full of juice. The skin should be firm and medium-to-dark red. If you notice a few surface scratches, the fruit inside should still be OK.

How to store:Store pomegranates at room temperature away from sunlight for a few days or up to three months sealed in plastic bags in the refrigerator.

Arils can be refrigerated for three days or frozen for up to six months. To keep them from sticking together, freeze arils in a single layer on a tray, then gently scrape them into an airtight container.

How to use:First things first: How the heck do you get the arils out? To start, cut off the top of the fruit. Lightly score the skin into four quarters from end to end. Over a bowl of water, break each section off by bending back the skin. Scoop the seed clusters into the bowl. Remove any of the white pith that remains around the arils and then drain the water.

While fresh fruit may be the last thing on your mind from December to March, don’t miss out on all the delicious produce this season has to offer.

Nutrition

Nutrition

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